XLVI of MMXI B90X (Pr 7:1- Pr 20:21)

I know that the pace is rigorous, stay faithful my friends. The volume of reading is heavy and the blessings are even more so.

I wonder if anyone has categorized every proverb. Giving a tag name to each of them to see what the topical flow looks like. For instance, 19:24 and 20:4 could be categorized as laziness, however, 19:28 could be justice, lying, words, or mouth. Right off the top of my head, I would think that the tongue or how we speak, money, and honoring others are at the top of the list. Certainly the words one uses to describe the proverb can vary. But there must be a top theme in the whole bunch of them. If anyone comes across a chart like this, please pass it on. Curiosity is getting the best of me on this one.

Every time I read Proverbs, I run across one or two verses which I had never really contemplated before or one that speaks to me differently than any time prior. Here are the two for today:
Prov. 15:30 “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones.” In a greater section of Yahweh sayings (vv. 25-33) are some “hear” sayings (vv. 28- 32). The overarching section is tied together by the significant number of Yahweh sayings, thus associating his judgments with the benefits of God-fearing wisdom. More information whether you like it or not: Vv. 30-32 are linked by the catchword shema(“hear”) in “news” (i.e. what is heard, 15:30), “listens” (15:31), and “heeds” (15:32). In the first of the three, there is a remarkable comparison to 15:13, except in reverse order, with the ‘cheerful look’ and ‘joyful heart.’ Similarly, good news gives health (lit., “puts fat”) to the bones. The heart guides a person’s words and actions, but it is also receptive of kindness from others. The condition of the heart influences a person’s health (cf. 14:30). The “light of the eyes” is not explained; the parallel with the good news suggests that it refers to positive communication brought either by a messenger or a teacher (see 15:31 for a corrector or teacher). Set in the context of this chapter, the proverb is about messages that come from the good heart and bring health and life to those who receive them.

Prov. 16:32 “Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.” If humility in peace is better than pride in conquest, then patience is better than strength, for patience and self-control are their own forms of power (14:29; 15:18). Better to exhibit self-control than to control others. In an age when kings used stone reliefs to depict their prowess in war, this praise of the patience that maintains social order may have been shaped to surprise hearers with its common sense. The virtues of patience and endurance proves that leadership is really about servanthood, for if it were not, we would all quit when our needs go unmet or our plans are frustrated. We demonstrate patience when we keep at our work even when it seems unrewarding or unproductive or contentious, or when we hold on to the principles of servanthood even though we know some good old-fashioned authoritarianism would do the trick. We all face the human desire to hold power over our environment and other people to that they may serve our desires.

Misc. information about Proverbs:

Key Concepts- 1. Proverbs are general statements that affirm godly values and virtues.
2. There are two ways, and the way of wisdom is to be chosen over the path of destruction.
3. Wisdom is the foundation of a godly life.
4. We show wisdom in the way we speak and the way we interact with others.

Key Teachings about God- God is wise and delights in the pursuit of wisdom.
God does not tolerate fools.
God directs the path of those who trust him.
God expects disciplined living.

Proverbs are such cool literature. They are a cool way to memorize ideas and concepts. They are fun. Many of us have life scriptures found in the book of Proverbs. Enjoy it with all you heart this time around. Let them read you as you read them. Pastor Mark.